The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering of the University of Brescia carries out advanced research, innovation and knowledge-transfer activities in the automotive and sustainable mobility domains. The department operates at the interface between vehicle engineering, manufacturing technologies, materials, energy systems, environmental, economic, health and social assessment, with a strong focus on the challenges posed by the green and digital transition of the automotive sector.

DIMI is embedded in one of the most important manufacturing districts in Italy, Brescia Province, characterised by a dense network of automotive and mechanical SMEs, many of which are still strongly oriented towards internal combustion engine technologies. This context represents a unique living laboratory for studying and supporting the transition of the automotive value chain, combining technological development with analysis of industrial, environmental and societal impacts.

DIMI research activities contribute to national and European initiatives (including MOST – National Centre for Sustainable Mobility) and support evidence-based decision-making for industry and policymakers.

The automotive and mobility research at Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering is organised around the following Topics.
Each area integrates experimental, numerical and system-level approaches and is open to collaboration with industrial and institutional partners.

1. Vehicle Dynamics, System Integration and Validation

Research activities focus on the modelling, simulation and experimental validation of vehicle systems, with particular attention to safety, performance, comfort and robustness.

2. Digital Simulation, Virtual Testing and Driver-in-the-Loop

This area addresses virtual development and validation, combining numerical simulation, digital twins and human-in-the-loop approaches.

3. Advanced Materials, Metallurgy and Lightweighting

Research in this area supports the transition towards lighter, more durable and more sustainable vehicle components.

4. Manufacturing Technologies and Industrial Processes

This macro-theme addresses production technologies and industrial systems relevant to automotive competitiveness and supply-chain resilience.

5. Electrification, Energy Systems and Batteries

Research focuses on vehicle electrification and the interaction between vehicles and energy systems.

6. Environmental, social, economic, health Transition Impacts

This area addresses the environmental and societal implications of automotive and mobility transitions.